Bar profile: Bier Stube North

Thursday

Apr 29, 2010 at 12:01 AMMay 13, 2010 at 5:37 PM

Thirty years ago, Doug Millsap opened a small South Campus tavern in a gravel parking lot. It's since become a legend - a place celebrating the camaraderie of the pitcher, a last vestige of the neighborhood's gritty, carefree past.

Thirty years ago, Doug Millsap opened a small South Campus tavern in a gravel parking lot. It's since become a legend - a place celebrating the camaraderie of the pitcher, a last vestige of the neighborhood's gritty, carefree past.

The Bier Stube's a place that keeps you coming back, but you could take a seat there for years without ever realizing that the pub has a similarly enjoyable sibling uptown.

Located on a lonely stretch of State Rte. 161 in Linworth, Bier Stube North is where to go if you like the Campus joint but prefer something a bit less crowded, cramped or dark.

Walking in, you'll immediately notice a few differences. First, you can move around at will. Second, there's enough light that you can actually find these more spacious routes.

The interior is cheery, with blond wood paneling peeking out beneath a healthy papering of sports memorabilia and beer merch. With a giant projection TV along one wall and other screens beaming throughout, it feels like a comfy, sports-centric lodge.

The name Bier Stube is German for "beer lounge," and you'll find plenty of suds on special. A full bar-bites menu is supplemented with a number of specialty pizzas running $9 to $15 and one of the best club sandwiches ($7 with fries) that I've ever had.

Starting in the next few weeks, you'll be able to enjoy both food and drink outside on a large back patio that offers plenty of plastic furniture, cornhole sets, a bocce court and a stage for live rock and acoustic ditties on weekends.

Bar Brief

The Bier Stube North has another connection to the old days of South Campus. Remember The Cornerstone, which once sat at the corner of High Street and 11th Avenue? After it was torn down to make way for the South Campus Gateway, owner Doug Millsap used his liquor license to open Bier Stube North.